They are both in a lesser series, but Charleroi and OHL can still hope for Play-off 1 after a 1-1 draw. Yesterday they divided the points in a tough game. Number six OHL has 7/21 and is now one point of the top four, Charleroi is 1 in 18 and is three points behind that coveted fourth place.
Just like the previous weeks, OHL started weak and the Zebras immediately went full for the 1-0. The time had almost come when goalkeeper Romo and central defender Jemelka communicated poorly, but a Leuven own goal could be avoided in the nick of time. The visitors quickly took over and that immediately led to a goal. Schrijvers reached the back line on the left and led to a cleverly caught-in Sowah. The Ghanaian pushed the 0-1 against the ropes. OHL actually once again in the lead instead of behind after the first fifteen minutes.
Leuven also continued to dominate in the rest of the first half with good combination football. The best chance of the 0-2 was for Mercier, who decided just wide. Just before the break, saves from Charleroi goalkeeper Descamps were needed on shots from Sowah and Allemeersch. The latter, a nineteen-year-old youth product of OHL, surprisingly took the place of the suspended Henry in the striker. For the very first time, Allemeersch was at the kick-off with the Leuven team, previously he had only been given one minute at Anderlecht. He worked hard and did not let himself be done by the virile Charleroi defense, including RSCA mercenary and debutant Ognjen Vranjes.
Photo: BELGA
Worry about Mercier
After half time, Mercier, who had received a heavy blow from Gillet, stayed inside with foot pain. By definition, that means headaches for OHL coach Marc Brys, because the French playmaker is decisive for the Leuven way of playing football. The people of Leuven had to do it for another 45 minutes without key players Henry and Mercier, then you know that it will be difficult.
The Zebras came out of the dressing room well and did not give in. Under the leadership of Botaka, who brought out several dangerous shots, the home team went in search of the equalizer. Thanks to strong saves from Romo, OHL stayed ahead for a while, but that would not take long. On the hour, substitute Tshimanga put Gholizadeh to the ground. Charleroi got a free kick on the edge of the box, Dessoleil drove it into goal via the post. 1-1.
Karim Belhocine’s men smelled blood and pushed hard for the three points. It became a real siege of the Leuven goal, in which Romo beat one shot after another by Gholizadeh out of his goal. OHL eventually managed to hold on to its point and is now sixth, one point of the top four. Charleroi has two points less and is eighth.
Photo: BELGA
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